300-HR Yoga Teacher Training - Costa Rica - APRIL 2019 (WAITLIST OPEN)
Led by Steph Góngora, Erin Kelly, and Bianca Scalise. Guest Teachers: Dr. Jen Esquer + Kim House
An intimate and community building experience, this 300 HR YTT is the perfect setting for those wishing to continue and expand upon their yoga journey, both from a teaching standpoint and a personal practice perspective. Delve deeper into intricate alignment, the art of sequencing, and applied anatomy, all while molding your own creative movement language.
Come flow with us as we plant seeds, tend to our gardens, and continue our journey into the intricate, but rewarding world of yoga. Upon completion, graduates who have previously completed and registered for a 200HR Yoga Alliance approved teacher training program will be eligible for the 500HR Yoga Teacher Registry. (Yoga Alliance School Registration in process). Days will be full, but gratifying, and what better place to immerse yourself than our beautiful river & waterfall hide-away?
Training Basics
NOTE: THIS TRAINING IS FOR 2019!! It is highly recommended that you arrive at Flō Retreat Center on Monday April 1st (after 2pm) to give yourself time to check into your room and prepare. Your lodging for the night of April 1st, 2019 is included in each Accommodation Package. Similarly, lodging is covered the final night of the training (May 1st), and all trainees must be checked out by 12pm on Thursday May 2nd, 2019, unless other arrangements are made for a longer stay.
*****TRAINING PRICING*****
Tier 1: $4200 USD (SOLD OUT)
Tier 2: $4500 USD (SOLD OUT)
Tier 3: $4700 USD (TWO SPOTS OPEN!!!)
*****ACCOMODATION PRICING*****
Includes your stay for 31 nights at Flō Retreat Center + THREE Freshly Prepared Meals Each Day + Coffee/Tea. For more info on lodging and accommodation, please scroll down to the Accommodation Section.
DORM STYLE MAIN BUILDING (Bunk Beds – 6 people per room): $2000 per person (SOLD OUT)
DOUBLE ROOM MAIN BUILDING (Bunks or Twins – 2 people per room): $2500 per person (SOLD OUT)
SHARED CACAO FOREST CABINA (Bunks – 4 people per room): $2500 per person (2 SPOTS LEFT)
****TOTAL COST OF YTT = TRAINING FEES + ACCOMMODATION FEES.
Tiers Refer to ORDER of acceptance AND deposit received. First 10, Tier 1, Second 10, Tier 2, Final 5, Tier 3. ***
*
PRICES FOR TRAINING & ACCOMMODATIONS INCLUDE Include:
- Lodging @ Flō Retreat Center – Check in April 1st, 2019 (after 2pm), check out May 2nd, 2019 (before 12pm)
- 30-Day Intensive-Style 300-Hour Teacher Training
- Course Book w/ Syllabus
- THREE Freshly Prepared Meals Each Day (Vegan, Veggie, Omnivore Options – Dinner Provided April 1st, Breakfast May 2nd)
- Daily Coffee/Tea/Fruit
- Daily Flow Classes in a Variety of Styles
- Courses on Alignment, Adjustments, Teaching, Sequencing, History, Anatomy, Philosophy, Sanskrit
- Workshops on Business Ethics, Social Media, Marketing, Public Speaking, and MORE!
- Advanced Teaching Experience
- FOUR workshop bundles on AuthenticMovements.com – Inversions Level 1/2, Arm Balance Level 1/2
- Free Tank Top
- Room Service Charge & Tax
- Ability to Register as an RYT-500 with the Yoga Alliance Upon Completion (Assuming previous 200HR RYT Registration)
Additional Items (Not included):
- Round trip airfare (suggested airport -SJO).
- Transfer to/from airport (we can assist with booking this)
- Snacks
- Optional Excursions including taxi rides up/down the mountain
WHO IS THIS TRAINING FOR?
We welcome those currently teaching, interested in teaching, and practitioners simply looking to deepen their personal movement practice. Due to the intense physical demands, at least two years of yoga or a similar movement modality are recommended. While students are not required to practice advanced asana such as arm balances and inversions to attend this training, they can expect to leave with a more complete understanding of strength building progressions and how to incorporate unique and complex movements into an efficient yoga flow.
In order to be eligible to register with Yoga Alliance for the 500HR Yoga Teacher Registration, students must have a previous 200HR Yoga Alliance approved training and registration, as well as complete the required attendance and teaching hours, in accordance with Yoga Alliance guidelines. Not sure if you’re the right fit? Email us!
Sample Schedule
*6:00am – 7:00am – Coffee/Tea + Fruit
*7:00am – 7:30am – Meditation/Mantra/Journaling/Pranayama
*7:30am – 9:30am – Morning Flow Class
*9:30am – 10:30am – Breakfast + Break
*10:30am – 2:00pm – Lecture + Workshop + Teaching Methodologies
*2:00pm – 3:00pm – Lunch + Break
*3:00pm – 5:00pm – Lecture + Workshop + Teaching Methodologies
*5:00pm – 6:00pm – FREE TIME
*6:00pm – 7:30pm – Restorative/Yin/Slow Flow
*7:30pm – 8:30pm – Dinner
This schedule may vary on a daily basis, and there will likely be more free time on some days (either morning/afternoon) to allow for rest and relaxation, as well as short and helpful homework assignments. If everything goes smoothly, we will also structure in multiple FREE days, where we can help you set up taxis to town, the beach, nearby attractions, etc.
We ask that students do not bring cell phones to class and please be on time to avoid delays. Some morning or evening studio time will be silent time to allow those with a meditation practice to create a calm and comfortable space. While those looking to register with Yoga Alliance for the 500HR program will need to attend all sessions to accumulate the required hours, we ask that you honor your body and simply observe whenever needed.
What to Expect
Expect high-level alignment breakdowns on hundreds of postures and intense focus on the transitions and space between asanas in order to cultivate a graceful strength for a fluid flow.
A balance between flow and form, Authentic Movements asks us to first learn the nitty gritty details so that we can then break free and mold them to our own needs or the needs of our students.
Training days will be packed with complex, but efficient and effective practices, sequencing breakdowns to analyze the morning flow, hands on lectures, and restorative or cross-training work to keep the body supple and strong.
Whether you’re looking to deepen your personal practice or further expand your teaching toolbox, this training will give you a chance to develop and hone your personal creative language on the yoga mat.
Training Focus Points: Personal Practice Development, Alignment Details, Safe Progression to Enter and Teach Inversions, Applied Anatomy, Art of Sequencing, Props and Modifications, Hands on Assists.
Additional Topics: Introspective Practices (Journaling/Mantra/Pranayama/Mandala), Yoga Philosophy and Asana Myths, Myofascial & Meridian Work, Yoga for Injuries, Yoga for Athletes, Workshops/Retreat/Training/Festival Development, Integration of Other Movement Modalities, Business Development & Social Media Workshops.
Instructor Details
Meet Steph Gongora & Erin KellyAn athlete her whole life, Steph practiced gymnastics until high school, taught pole fitness during college (where she studied Biology and Chemistry), and started a serious daily yoga practice over three years ago. Her teaching style combines precise breakdowns of form and anatomical cuing with a creative flow style, stressing unusual transitions and authentic movements practices. She has developed a deep love and respect for inversions of all kinds, which is what promoted her to write her first two books in early 2016 – The Beginner’s Guide to Handstand & The Beginner’s Guide to Handstand Pressing. She later added The Beginner’s Guide to Starting a Yoga Practice for those looking to deepen their personal asana exploration.
Steph is happily married with five furry children and officially moved down to Costa Rica in the fall of 2016 to start construction on a Functional Medicine/Yoga retreat center on the South Pacific coast. She is overjoyed to share FLŌ Retreat Center with other beautiful souls, and hopes you enjoy her paradise as much as she does! When she isn’t doing yoga, she enjoys reading, writing, anything outdoors, writing more books (probably about more Yoga), and spending time with her (not so) little family.
She continues to develop a strong personal practice, studying various lineages, and consciously chooses not be defined by a particular school or style. Erin has studied under Megan Currie and is a regular in the LA yoga studio scene. She has also spent many hours training with Tearson Bickmore, as well as received extended hours in Dharma and Rocket under a Yancy Schwartz mentorship.
Erin has written for or been featured in Mantra Magazine, Yoga Guide Magazine and Yoga Journal, as well as made many appearances on national and international media sources. These days, you can find her focusing her time on creating unique, informative, and stimulating classes, workshops ,and trainings, often with her teaching partner Steph Gongora.
A true artist by nature, Erin received a BFA in Oil Painting with a minor in Art History from The Maryland Institute College of Art. She is passionate about the idea that if we open our bodies up physically, we can tap into all sorts of creative, emotional, and psychological breakthroughs. Whether it’s with a paintbrush in hand or just through body movement, Erin is continuously creating her own form of art and expression and believes we all have this freedom of expression.
Accommodation Details
Flō Retreat Center - An Eco Friendly Wellness VenueSituated only 2KM up the mountain from Central Uvita, Flō is secluded and peaceful, yet convenient and accessible (by 4×4 car please). The long winding private drive to the main building plantel translates to extreme privacy in both the practice and living space. Wake up to monkeys and toucans playing in the trees above you, and fall asleep to the soothing sounds of crickets and tree frogs.
The main two story building will hold a common area for eating and working + large communal kitchen and shared bathrooms on the first floor. Eat breakfast overlooking the incoming freshwater pool and watching the ocean tides out on the distance. Turn your head slightly in either direction for just-as-stunning jungle and foliage views. The perfect place to sip tea, catch up on some emails (“jungle wifi” available), or just swing in a hammock and relax.
The second floor of the main building holds a large portion of the lodging space with two dorm style rooms (3 bunks each), and two double rooms, which can be fitted with queens (for a couple/friends/partners) or one set of bunks in each. The dorm rooms share a large bath between them, and the double rooms have beautiful ocean view sliding doors. All rooms will have access to a wrap around deck and come equipped with screens, ceiling fans, and AC units for hotter jungle nights.
Stroll slightly toward the cacao grove next to the main building, and you will run into the beautiful yoga studio. Mostly open air (with screens for bug blocking), this space will provide ample area to explore the practice on your mat. Full use of blocks, blankets, straps, wheels, (and hopefully aerial hammocks) will be offered during this intensive, and it’s a quick walk to the main house for bathroom breaks or snacks.
Keep walking toward the jungle, and you will enter the sacred cacao forest. Here the laden cacao trees will shade our future Shared Cabinas, small but efficient bungalows housing 4 attendees. Shaded, quiet, and peaceful, these adorable tiny houses will come equipped with screens, AC, and have access to a communal shared bathroom.
But what about when you’re not practicing?! The days will be full, but in your free time, we encourage you to cool off in the pool, or take the short 1/2 KM walk down to the river, where you can explore one of the property’s SEVEN waterfalls, splash in one of the multiple natural swimming holes, or just explore the jungle walking paths. Town is an affordable cab ride (again, 4×4 recommended) away, where you can access grocery stores, beaches, national parks, restaurants, farmer’s markets, and souvenir shopping.
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: And we are off! The main building is currently under construction as of June 2017. Rough concept drawings are finished for the Flō main house and shared cabinas. They have been added into the gallery below. Construction is fairly slow June-October due to wet season, but will pick up quickly in December of 2017. Our reliable crew has assured us that all basic lodging, practice, and gathering space will be done by early February 2018, leaving plenty of wiggle room for our April 2019 training. More pictures provided as we progress! Thanks for your patience!
*Three bunk beds, six people per room
*Shared bathroom
*Mini Fridge(s)
*AC, Screens, Ceiling Fan
*One bunk bed set (2 people) or a queen bed for 2 people
*Currently no private (1 person only) option, sorry. Email to discuss if you want to book privately.
*Shared bathroom (separate from dorms)
*Mini Fridge
*AC, Screens, Ceiling Fan
*$2500 / person for the four person cabinas (2 bunks) –
*Shared bathroom
*Mini Fridge
*AC, Screens, Ceiling Fan
*Privacy of the Cacao Forest
Due to an intense schedule, no off-site options are available at this time!
HOW TO APPLY
...And Claim Your Space in ParadiseTHIS IS A TRAINING, NOT A RETREAT, SO AN APPLICATION AND DEPOSIT ARE REQUIRED FOR ADMISSION.
TO APPLY, PLEASE SEND THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION VIA EMAIL TO >>[email protected]<<
- SUBJECT: COSTA RICA YTT APRIL 2019
- NAME
- ADDRESS
- PHONE NUMBER
- ROOM RESERVATION PREFERENCE – If Shared Double, please specify bunk or queen, and if queen, bedmate
- 2 X EMERGENCY CONTACTS WITH #’s & RELATIONSHIP
- AGE
- ANY MEDICAL CONDITIONS/MEDICATIONS
- YOGA EXPERIENCE (Please describe in detail)
- ARE YOU A 200HR REGISTERED YOGA TEACHER? If so, describe your school and program. If not, explain why you think your previous training or experience will allow you to make the most of this opportunity without the 200HR registration.
- DISCUSS YOUR TEACHING EXPERIENCE (IF APPLICABLE) If you’re not a teacher, discuss why you still want to attend this in-depth intensive.
- OTHER MOVEMENT/FITNESS BASED EXPERIENCE (Please describe in detail)
- SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNT (IF APPLICABLE)
- EXPLAIN WHY YOU’RE SEEKING FURTHER EDUCATION
- WHAT WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO LEARN OR EXPLORE IN THIS TRAINING?
- WHY YOU WANT TO COME TO THIS YTT?
- TANK TOP SIZE
- ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE
- TWO PHOTOS, INCLUDING ONE (1) HEADSHOT & ONE (1) YOGA POSE
- SHARE A VIDEO LINK OF YOU DOING A SUN SALUTATION B (SURYA NAMASKAR) – Variations welcome
Upon acceptance, students are required to put down a non-refundable $500 deposit via VENMO or PAYPAL to reserve their spot. Your spot will only be secured once we have received both a completed (accepted) application AND the deposit. If you would prefer another method of deposit and payment, please email [email protected] to discuss.
- The deposits go toward the total cost of the training – TRAINING FEES + ACCOMMODATIONS.
- Deposits are non-refundable after 10 days from the date of payment. Please see the Full Cancellation Policy below.
- Travel Insurance is highly recommended for any unforeseen circumstances.
- In order to be eligible for your Yoga Alliance Certificate, you must complete all required hours, both in person, and privately (homework) for this teacher training. Erin and Steph have no responsibility or obligation to provide a certificate to those with missing hours or whom them feel have not put in the necessary effort and attention. Extended hours missed (due to illness or other unforeseen causes) can be made up, but will be at the cost of the student at $50/hour missed.
Questions? Shoots Us An Email At [email protected]
To Place Your Deposit Via Venmo Please Send To [email protected] (@StephGongora) Or To Send Via Paypal to i[email protected] (Please select Friends & Family if possible)
You will receive a confirmation email after your application and/or deposit within 48 hours.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
*$500 deposit due after application is accepted
*$1,000 payment due by Sep 1st, 2018
*$2,000 payment due by Dec 1st, 2018
*BALANCE due by Feb 1st, 2019
Erin and Steph are offering one (1) partial scholarship for this 300HR Yoga Teacher Training. The scholarship brings the price down to $2000 total, including training fees, meals, and lodging in one of our dorm rooms. It does not include airfare and shuttle rides.
TO APPLY for this scholarship, please answer the application questions above AND add these two questions to your response:
- Why do YOU deserve this scholarship?
- How do you plan to utilize this opportunity in your life?
- How will the significantly reduced price help you make this work?
Finally, please post a video or picture on Instagram(TM), using the hashtag #authenticmovements, and explain WHY you would like to come to THIS teacher training. If you don’t have Instagram, please email the pic and caption to >>i[email protected]<<
Scholarship Recipient will be announced on May 10th, 2018 and will have 2 weeks to put down a $200 deposit to reserve this spot. If recipient is unable to reserve or chooses to forgo their scholarship, another winner will be chosen and announced. Current accepted applicants are invited to participate.
Cancellation Policy & Legal Fun
| We understand that life happens and things change. We will do our best to be flexible, however, the closer the cancellation is to the actual start date, the less likely it is that we will be able to fill your space. Since we have already paid for the training, we are committed, and late cancelled rooms would mean payments out of our pockets. We highly suggest you purchase travel insurance in case of any emergency change of plans, and are happy to answer any other questions that you might have! | ||
| Date of Cancellation | Payments Made | Deposit |
| 6 months (180 days prior) to the start date | Fully Refundable | Non-Refundable (although exceptions will be made) |
| Between 120-180 days prior to the start date | 50% Refundable | Non-Refundable (after 10 days since date of payment) |
| Less than 120 days prior to the start date | Non-Refundable | Non-Refundable |
***Once the program begins, there are no refunds of fees, no exceptions.***
Videography and Photo Release: There will be Photographs and video taken during training and used for promotional purposes. By signing up for this retreat, you are agreeing to allow any photographs taken of you to be used by Steph Gongora, Erin Kelly, Casa Colibri, Flō Retreat Center, or Authentic Movements.
